“Maybe you’re right, and I was hiding so I wouldn’t be faced with disappointment,” she said. “But as for you, I feel like you worked so much during your vacation, you didn’t get any time off.”
“It didn’t feel like work. It felt like we were building something together, something meaningful that allowed us to get to know each other on more than a superficial level. And that is what allowed us to come out from behind the walls we erected. That made it possible for us to embrace every minute we had together.”
“So, what happens when you leave Sunday? Will you go back to being Workaholic Aiden Monday morning?”
“I have no idea who I’ll be on Monday.” He took her hand and said, “I have a few insanely busy weeks coming up with back-to-back meetings. I’d like to think I’ll be able to focus when I need to, but if the road show was any indication of what happens to me when I’m away from you, it’ll be an uphill battle. But we’ll talk every day, and knowing I’ll be back next month for the grand opening will make it a little easier.”
“For me, too.”
“You’ll be busy winning the competition and then interviewing and training staff.”
There it was again, his endless belief in her. “You’re so confident about my winning.”
“I’m even more sure of it after tasting all the recipes you made this week. You’ve got this, Abs. But on the off chance Wells pays off the judges, you have to know how proud of you I am and how proud your parents would be.”
She nudged him. “Wells won’t pay off the judges.”
“That’s the only way he’ll win. You’ll wow them with your cooking and mesmerize them with your gorgeous smile.”
“And if that doesn’t work?”
“Then the judges have no taste, and the competition isn’t worthy of your time.”
Swoon! “You’re really good for my ego.”
His eyes turned seductive. “Your ego, huh? I’d like to think I’m good for a hell of a lot more than that.” He kissed her neck and swept her beneath him, sending the blankets to the deck.
“Coldcoldcold!” She shivered, laughing as he pulled the blankets over them, blocking the wind.
He lowered his lips to hers, turning her laughter to desirous moans as he took the kiss deeper and their bodies ignited. She loved kissing him, feeling the strength of their passion colliding like two rushing rivers feverishly blending into one. She pushed her hands under the back of his shirt, needing more. His muscles were hot and hard against her palms. He made a low, guttural sound that sent lust spiking through her, burning hotter with every slick of his tongue. Need pulsed between her legs as his hands moved hungrily over her breasts, and in a complete contradiction to their wild passion, he slowed their kisses to a sensual dance of sliding tongues and grinding hips. Her senses reeled as he eased from one whisper of a kiss to another, so light and tantalizing, she whimpered for more. But he continued tasting and taunting until she couldn’t take it anymore.
“Need you,” she demanded, and craned up, taking more.
He crushed his mouth to hers, and their control snapped. They tugged at each other’s clothes. “Love you so much,” he said as he tore off her shirt, then ripped off his own. Her bra went next as he moved swiftly down her body, loving her breasts, kissing her belly as he unbuttoned her pants and stripped them off along with her panties. He made quick work of taking off the rest of his clothes and reared up on his knees to find his wallet. Cold air brushed over Abby’s heated flesh.
She shivered, crossing her arms over her chest, and said, “Hurry!”
His eyes flared predatorily as he sheathed his length, and she looked her fill. He was so damn sexy, all rugged and hard. He tugged the blankets over them as he came down over her, but this man, and his love, were all the warmth she needed. He cradled her in his strong arms as their bodies came together. The sheer pleasure searing through her drew a wanton sound from her lungs. His mouth covered hers as they found their rhythm. They both went wild, clawing, nipping, moaning. The blankets slid to a puddle beside them. The cool air whipped over the sheen of sweat they’d earned, heightening every sensation as he stroked over the spot that made her toes curl under. He pushed one hand beneath her, palming her ass and lifting her hips, driving deeper, but slower, lingering over that sensational spot, until her entire body felt electrified.
“Aiden,” she panted out.
“I’ve got you, baby.”
He reclaimed her mouth, kissing her so fiercely, loving her so thoroughly, pleasure engulfed her. “Aiden!” flew from her lips as she spiraled into ecstasy. Her hips bucked, her body writhed, her insides pulsing around him as he followed her over the edge, chanting her name like a mantra. “Abby, Abby, Abby—”
He cradled her in his arms as their bodies thrust and jerked, their hearts thundering as one. His mouth covered hers as they came down from their highs, kissing her so slowly and beautifully, she’d never felt so treasured in all her life. Every time they made love, she was sure nothing could surpass the depth of their connection, the strength of their passion. But they always proved her wrong. When their lips parted, Aiden’s head dipped beside hers as if the feelings were that intense for him, too, and he whispered, “Jesus, Abs. Nothing has ever felt as perfect as loving you.”
CHAPTER TWENTY–ONE
THE SAVORY SCENTS wafting out of the kitchen were almost as heavenly as the woman creating them. It was late Saturday afternoon, and soon their friends would arrive for the tasting. Aiden glanced at Abby through the newly renovated pass-through to the kitchen as he and Cait set the tables for what Abby was calling the Big Test. She was totally in her zone, chopping vegetables in her white double-breasted chef’s coat and hat. He loved seeing her dreams coming to fruition, and he wanted everything to be perfect for all of her big tests—the tasting, the judging, and the grand opening. Yesterday they’d ordered the menus, and thanks to Brant’s connections, they were able to bring in an electrician to install the chandeliers and colorful lights. They’d also hung the pictures they’d found in Chaffee, along with some of Abby’s father’s paintings. Cait had finished the mural, and not only was it absolutely stunning, but it really brought the energy of Abby’s once-happy family into the restaurant in a big way. Abby had gotten teary-eyed over it, and she must have hugged and thanked Cait at least a dozen times. All of the changes had transformed the run-down restaurant into a romantic, bohemian gathering place, as Abby had hoped they would.
“I need a taste tester!” Abby hollered out to them. She had been a nervous wreck this morning, but a little lovin’ had taken the starch right out of her—at least for a while. She’d been buzzing around the Bistro all afternoon, prepping, chopping, getting ready for the taste test with their friends.
“Race ya,” Cait said, hurrying past him.
Aiden chuckled as he followed her into the kitchen, where Abby was wiggling to the music streaming from the boom box as she stirred something in a big pot on the stove. Every burner on the two stoves was occupied, as well as the ovens, and four mouthwatering desserts were lined up on a counter, calling Aiden’s name.
Abby filled a large spoon with soup and said, “Who’s first?”
“Sisters before misters,” Cait said, sidling in for a taste. She ate the soup, and her face contorted in disgust.
“What’s wrong?” Abby asked anxiously. “Is it too salty? Too bland?”
Cait’s brow furrowed. “I think I need another taste to figure it out.”
Abby grabbed two more clean spoons and dipped one in the soup, watching Cait intently as she tasted it.
Cait closed her eyes, making an appreciative sound. “I love French onion soup.”
“Cait!” Abby snagged the spoon from her. “You almost gave me a heart attack! Get out of my kitchen.”
Cait walked past Aiden with a big-ass grin. He put his arm around Abby as she stirred and tinkered. “Take it as a compliment, babe.”
“I am. I’m just stressed and excited, and I’m trying to get everything done before eve
ryone gets here. Deirdra texted that she caught an earlier ferry and didn’t bring her car. She’s waiting for an Uber. She should be here soon.” She waved a spoon and said, “Do you want a taste?”
“Only of you, baby.” He pressed his lips to hers, wondering how the hell he would leave her tomorrow, much less make it a month before seeing her again. He was determined not to let his leaving put a damper on her big day and said, “What can I do to help?”
“I love you, but . . .” She pointed at the door.
“Okay, but if the kitchen is your domain, I get the bedroom.” He swatted her ass and said, “With you in it.” He headed into the restaurant to help Cait finish setting the tables.
Deirdra walked through the door a little while later pulling a small suitcase. She looked sharp in tan skinny jeans, a white blouse, and sky-high heels. Her hair framed her face, which was made up like she’d been on a fashion shoot. Wells sauntered in behind her.
“Whoa. Am I in the right place?” Deirdra pointed at Cait and Aiden. “Sister. Other sister’s hot boyfriend. Yup. I’m in the right place.”
“It’s good to see you, Deirdra.” Aiden embraced her, and as she hugged Cait, he offered his hand to Wells. “Good to see you again, Wells. How are you?”
Wells shook his hand and said, “If the gossip around town is accurate, apparently not quite as well as you and Abby are doing.”
“I’m a lucky man. What brings you into the restaurant?”
“I was dropping a friend at the ferry when I saw Deirdra waiting for a ride. She told me that you were leaving tomorrow. I thought I’d say goodbye, and while I’m here I’d like to wish Abby good luck in the competition.”
“Thanks, man. That’s awful nice of you.”
“Deirdra said you won’t be back when they announce the winner.”
Aiden’s gut clenched. “Unfortunately, she’s right. I’m due overseas for the next couple of weeks. But I’ll be back for the grand opening.”
“I’ll make sure I have plenty of wine on hand for Abby to drown her sorrows when you leave,” Deirdra said.
“It’s a bummer that you’ll miss the announcement ceremony,” Wells said. “If Abby wins, I’ll be sure to take pictures for you.”
“Thanks. I’d appreciate that.”
“You mean when she wins.” Deirdra looked around and said, “This place looks amazing. Cait, the mural is gorgeous. It’s so lifelike. You must have used a picture of our mom from ages ago—she looks like I’d like to remember her—and I love that you’re in the picture, too.”
Cait’s expression turned bashful. “Abby insisted.”
“Of course she did,” Deirdra said. “That’s exactly how it should be.”
“You painted that?” Wells asked.
Cait nodded.
“That’s one hell of a talent you’ve got there, Cait,” Wells said.
“Thanks.”
“Where on earth did you find the lights of love?” Deirdra asked as she wove around the tables. “It’s like I’ve been thrown back in time but not quite all the way back. The restaurant has never looked this good. I swear, Abby remembered every little thing.”
“Aren’t the lights great?” Abby yelled from the kitchen. “We found all those lights in Chaffee. I got a steal from this woman who had no idea what they were worth. I felt guilty, actually. Hey, Wells! What are you doing here?”
“Just came to wish you luck,” Wells said loudly.
Deirdra ran her hand over the granite countertop. “Abby, the counter, the pass-through, the ordering window on the side of the building. It’s all perfect. I never should have doubted you.”
“Thank you, but Cait and Aiden were a huge help. Let me turn this down and I’ll be right out.”
“The girls deserve all the credit,” Aiden said. “We hung up some of your dad’s paintings, too.” He pointed to the other side of the restaurant, where they were hanging.
“Where did you find them? I forgot how artistic he was.”
“In the junk room closet,” Aiden said as Abby came through the kitchen doors.
Abby hugged Deirdra. “I’m so glad you came for the tasting.”
“Me too. Malcolm was getting on my last nerve. I needed the break.”
Abby smiled at Wells and said, “I’m so glad you stopped by, too. Good luck next week.”
“Good luck to you, too, Abby. You’ve done a hell of a job here. It looks, and smells, fantastic.”
“Thank you. We’re having a tasting. You’re welcome to stay.”
Wells cocked a grin. “Inviting a wolf into the henhouse? That’s awfully brave of you, but I have to get over to the restaurant.”
“Thanks for the ride, Wells,” Deirdra said.
“Anytime, doll.”
“I’ll walk you out.” Aiden touched Abby’s back and said, “Why don’t I put Deirdra’s suitcase in the office before everyone else arrives?”
“Thanks, Aid,” Abby said.
As he and Wells made their way to the front, Wells said, “Listen, I know Abby has friends all over the island, but I’ll keep an eye out for her, too.”
“Thanks. I appreciate that.” When they reached the door, Aiden shook his hand and said, “Good luck in the competition.”
Wells nodded; then he eyed Cait and blew her a kiss. “Hit me up sometime, Cait. I’ll buy you a drink.”
Cait rolled her eyes. Wells chuckled on his way out the door.
Aiden brought Deirdra’s suitcase into the office. When he came out, Abby was arguing with a portly man who looked annoyed. Deirdra stood beside her studying a piece of paper, and Cait’s eyes were volleying between Abby and the guy as they argued.
Aiden strode over to them. “What’s going on?”
“This guy says he has an oven delivery, but I didn’t order an oven,” she snapped.
“Oh shit,” Aiden said at the same time Deirdra said, “But Aiden did.”
“What?” Abby fumed. “You ordered an oven? Take it back,” she said to the delivery guy.
“Come on, lady. It’s paid for. My truck broke down on the way to the ferry, and I’ve got a kid’s birthday party to get to . . .”
Aiden was too focused on the smoke coming out of Abby’s ears to hear the rest of what the guy was saying. “Babe, I’m sorry, but you can’t open a restaurant with only two oven units. Not for the number of customers you’re likely to have. You’re using every burner for a tasting.”
“Aiden! It’s my kitchen,” she fumed. “I know what I can and can’t do.”
“What is going on? Why are you fighting?” Deirdra asked.
Abby glowered at her. “One of the oven-range combos is broken.”
“The biggest one,” Cait explained.
“And I am not letting him buy it,” Abby snapped.
“Holy crap. Abby, take the gift. You’ll need it,” Deirdra said. “Don’t you remember how busy the kitchen used to be?”
“I’m not accepting it. You can’t walk in here and take over, Aiden. The competition was one thing, but an oven? No.” She spun around to the delivery guy and said, “Take it back. I refuse the delivery.”
“Babe, don’t do this,” Aiden pleaded.
“Don’t do this? I didn’t do anything. You did. A commercial oven-range unit is thousands of dollars that I can’t afford right now.”
“But I can.” And a better one than you’d probably buy. He knew her well enough to realize she’d purchase a more reasonably priced unit that she’d have to replace sooner and in the long run would cost her more. He wanted her to have the best, which was exactly why he’d purchased the Viking sixty-inch Professional 5 series with grill, griddle, and two full-size ovens.
She crossed her arms, glowering at him.
“Please just hear me out.” He took her by the elbow, guiding her away from the others. “Abby, I watched you trying to make do, and you didn’t let it stop you when you ran out of space this week as you tried recipes. But you can’t work at maximum efficiency without that unit. I know
it’s not easy for you to accept this kind of help from others, but I’m not just anyone. I’m yours, and I love you. I want to see you succeed. Please let me do this for you.”
“Oh my God,” Deirdra said. “How can you say no to that?”
“Aiden.” Abby sighed, her brows knitting. “You don’t listen,” she said softly.
“I do listen. I listen to you saying and doing all the right things to prove you can do this on your own. But, baby, you mean the world to me, and I had to listen to my heart, too.”
“By buying me an oven unit?”
“Yes.” He put his arms around her and said, “I told you my biggest flaw was doing too much for the people I care about. I ordered it and honestly didn’t think about it again until now. I’m sorry for not telling you. But when you love someone, don’t you love their flaws, too? I love your stubborn streak as much as I love your determination.” That earned a small smile.
“But I don’t want you to spend all of your money on me. I love you for you, not for what you can do for me.”
“Abby, I know that, but I could buy you things every day of our lives and still have more money than I could ever spend.”
“Some regular guy you are,” she said sarcastically.
“Abby,” Deirdra called over to them. “This delivery guy has other things to do, and it’s a really nice oven-range combo unit. Just like the ones you salivated over when you were in cooking school.”
Aiden arched a brow, hoping she’d accept it. “Come on, baby.”
“Fine,” she relented. “He can put it in the back of the kitchen until I can get it installed. The kitchen opens to the parking lot. Dee, Cait, can you let him in the kitchen door?”
The delivery man walked out, and Deirdra and Cait headed into the kitchen.
“The installers are coming Monday,” Aiden said. “It’ll be ready for you to cook for the judges Tuesday.”
“Thank you for everything, but—”
He pressed his lips to hers, silencing her, and said, “I know the buts, Abs.”
She banged her forehead on his chest. “What am I going to do with you?”
“I can think of about a dozen intriguing things.”
Maybe We Will (Silver Harbor) Page 32